18. The Christian faithful

18. The Christian Faithful INSTITUTED BY CHRIST, THE HIERARCHY AND THE VISIBLE STRUCTURE OF THE CHURCH ARE PART OF GOD's PLAN Compendium 177-193 Matthew 16:18-19 1. There is a true equality among the members of the Church in their dignity as children of God. 2. The HIERARCHY of the Church includes bishops, priests and deacons. 3. Bishops and priests speak and act in the very person of Christ. 4. Deacons assist in preaching and teaching and especially in serving the poor and needy. 5. The popes are the visible foundation of the Unity of the Church down through the ages. 6. The Pope is the "Vicar of Christ" and supreme pastor of the God's people and exercises immediate, universal, and supreme power over the whole Church. 7. The college of bishops, in unity with the Pope, also exercises supreme authority over the Church. 8. Every diocese is a local manifestation of the universal Church. 9. The Magisterium, the bishops in Union with the Holy Father, and priests in union with their bishop, exercise the office of teaching, sanctifying and governing. 10. The baptized accept and live the faith in accordance with the Magisterium. 11. The Magisterium is charged with authentically interpreting God's Word in scripture and tradition and to ensure that the faith of the Apostles is handed on. 12. Even when doctrines are not infallibly proclaimed, they are to be accepted with religious submission of intellect and will, understood in the context of love. 13. Dissent from Church teachings short circuit missionary discipleship. 14. The laity, which means "people", share in the priestly, prophetic and kingly office of Christ as they build a civilization of love according to God's plan as parents and witnesses of a holy life at home and in the workplace. 15. Consecrated men and women, both lay and ordained, take vows and dedicate their lives in chastity, poverty and obedience in order to lead all members of the Church to greater holiness and dedication to Christ and his mission. 16. Every body has a structure. The structure of the human body is the skeleton but, as necessary as they are, we do not see or think about skeletons. The laity are the flesh of the body of Christ and his Church. The laity must bring the Church to the world in every aspect: the workplace, the homes, politics and everywhere.